Tampa Bay had high expectations for rookie running back Charles Sims. He was a little bigger (6-foot, 213 pounds) than Doug Martin and Bobby Rainey but just as fast. Also, his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield was a reason why the team selected him in the third round.

But after suffering an ankle injury during practice on Tuesday, Sims will have surgery Saturday and miss at least 12 weeks. He will likely be eligible for the injured reserve/designated to return list.

Second-year running back Mike James (Ridge Community and University of Miami) knows exactly what Sims will be going through, having suffered a broken ankle in his third game last season.

Ironically, Sims injury may present a lifeline to James. The Bucs said they could keep five running backs but it wasn’t a certainty. That’s why the team has been trying James as a kick returner and on special teams to see if they could find a spot for him.

Now with Sims out for at least three months, the Bucs may likely keep all four backs (James, Martin, Rainey and Jeff Demps).

No one wants to see another player, teammate, friend get hurt. But the Bucs have depth at the running back position for now and that’s a good thing.